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Pelvic Pain

Melvin Ashford, MD Our Services Pelvic Pain
Melvin Ashford, MD - - Urogynecologist

Melvin Ashford, MD

Urogynecologist & Cosmetic Gynecologist located in Maplewood, MN & Burnsville, MN

Pelvic pain can range in severity – it may be sharp and dull, be constant or come and go. Pelvic pain can be triggered by sexual intercourse or be most noticeable during your menstrual cycle. Regardless of how you experience pelvic pain, it’s disruptive to your quality of life, but you can get expert care and relief from board-certified urogynecologist Melvin Ashford, MD. If you’re suffering from pelvic pain or pelvic floor pain, schedule an appointment today at the Maplewood, Minnesota, office. Call the office or schedule using the online tool.

Pelvic Pain Q & A

What is pelvic floor pain?

Your pelvic floor encompasses the hammock of structures that cover your pelvis. It consists of muscles, connective tissues, and nerves that are critical to sexual health, maintenance of fecal and urinary continence, and support of organs.

Pain in the pelvic floor area can indicate a potential problem with the organs associated with the reproductive or urinary tract system. Generally, you feel the pain in the lower part of your belly and pelvis.

Pain can show up in many ways, including:

  • Dull
  • Intermittent
  • Intense
  • Sharp
  • Constant
  • Radiating to your buttocks, back, or thighs

You may also experience pelvic pain during sexual intercourse or while using the bathroom. Seek a consultation from Dr. Ashford if you experience any of these symptoms.

What symptoms accompany pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain can occur by itself or other concerning symptoms may accompany it, including:

  • Painful intercourse
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Bloating and gas
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Fever

Dr. Ashford thoroughly reviews your symptoms, health history, and family history when evaluating your pelvic pain. You undergo a thorough physical exam to determine the cause, which could include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, a urinary tract infection, fibroids, or vaginal and pelvic floor atrophy.

How is pelvic pain treated?

Dr. Ashford utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitating and conditioning the pelvis. You may benefit from:

Pelvic floor rehabilitation

Pelvic floor rehabilitation helps women who are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction due to trauma, age, or other causes. Much like muscle rehabilitation for other areas of the body, this treatment's aim is to increase and improve the strength, size, and function of these structures.

Vaginal revitalization

When you have loose vaginal tissue, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, and mild urinary incontinence, noninvasive vaginal revitalization treatments can restore your comfort and confidence. Dr. Ashford offers MonaLisa Touch®, THERMIva®, Geneveve™, and FemiLift. Each works slightly differently to strengthen and heal delicate vaginal tissue.

THERMIva uses radiofrequency energy to restore the elastic, youthful properties to the inner and outer vaginal area without the need for plastic surgery, pain, or downtime. When used inside the vagina, it has proven to effectively revive atrophic tissue and other structures.

MonaLisa Touch uses laser energy to boost collagen production in dry, thinning vaginal tissue. FemiLift uses an Alma CO2 laser that provides fractionated light and thermal energy to help you overcome vaginal atrophy. 

If pelvic pain is due to an infection, you may need antibiotics. Hormonal treatments can help with pelvic pain associated with your cycle, menopause, or endometriosis. Some conditions, such as fibroids and endometriosis, may require surgery.

If you have pelvic pain, find relief with the help of Melvin Ashford, MD. Call for a consultation or schedule online today.

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